Editors: This story was originally published in Issue 161 of our quarterly Tube Times magazine, one of many perks of membership in the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

Avenue Cyclery has brightened the entrance to Golden Gate Park and the streets of our city for nearly 45 years. Founded in 1973, they’re the second-oldest bike shop in our city, helping to encourage and support people who bike for nearly as long as your SF Bicycle Coalition (which was founded in 1971.)

Last July, Avenue Cyclery helped to bring a big boost to our advocacy as the winner of the Bike Shop Challenge. As part of the Bike Shop Challenge, Avenue competed against bike shops from around the city to see who could recruit the most new and renewing members to the SF Bicycle Coalition. This year marks the second time in three years that they won the challenge!

Avenue prides themselves as supporting all people who bike in the city — from everyday commuters and families to messengers and athletes. When asked what their specialty is, we heard “a focus on customer service.” Their customer service extends well into the community, as you’ll often find their staff at outreach events all over town, including pop-up service stations, Bike to Work Day Energizer Stations and Adult Learn to Ride workshops. They also offer lifetime free gear and brake adjustments to anyone who buys a new bike!

Check them out at avenuecyclery.com or in-person at 756 Stanyan St. near Waller, and congratulate them on winning our 2017 Bike Shop Challenge.